As the primary doctor on Bell Island, families used to say that Dr. Tucker didn’t deliver babies, he gently charmed infants into the world.
In fact, he gently charmed everyone he met during his life journey. Walter was kind and soft spoken in all his roles—physician, community leader, father, husband, grandfather, trusted advisor and friend.
Born in Harbour Grace on Aug. 30th, 1941, Walter started his career as a Pharmacist before meeting Marian, his wife-to-be, in Placentia. Together they moved to Ireland in 1968 as Walter pursued his medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons. They spent six years in Dublin, making life-long friends and memories. There, he started playing golf, affectionally nicknamed by his pals as “Trevino Tucker”. A major highlight for Walter in recent years was returning to Dublin for his 45th class reunion.
In 1973, Walter and Marian moved back to Newfoundland, where Walter established his clinical practice in Wabana, Bell Island and they raised their four children: Margo, Sean, Sinead and Stephenie. The kids remember a happy childhood living on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in a place only accessible by ferry. An extraordinarily patient person, they don’t remember their father raising his voice to them even once but often saying: “Go check with your Mother!”
The residents of Bell Island treasured their long-term doctor who did it all – from delivering babies and making house calls, treating everything from colds to complicated illnesses. Most of all, he was there to simply lend a confidential and comforting ear. Walter in his quiet way was happiest helping others.
Whether inside his clinic or at a town event, he served his beloved community in every way. He served on many boards including a term as president of the Kiwanis Club, where his straightforward understated leadership style was always appreciated. There is no wonder that the residents of Bell Island voted him to represent them as mayor from September of 1983-1987.
After Walter and Marian relocated to St. John’s, Walter continued to commute daily to the Island until 2015. Living near Clovelly golf course, Walter spent many hours with his friends playing his favorite sport. He eagerly anticipated his winter getaways to Florida to spoil his grandchildren. He continued hunting and fishing every fall in Grand Falls with his Island friends for over 30 years.
Above all, Walter loved family. He and Marian spent 58 years together- always his steady calm and practical rock. He truly embraced his large boisterous extended family. He was Uncle Walter to many and Doctor on call to all who knew him. He was known for his trademark dry wit, twinkle in his big blue eyes, and his ability to say a lot with few words. He may have been quiet but always engaged, enjoying the company of all around him. He adored hearing from his nieces and nephews. Even when he became ill, he put others first, encouraging Marian to support her siblings through difficult times.
Walter will be greatly missed. His impact and gentle spirit will be felt by many always.
He leaves to mourn is wife Marian (Nee Dobbin), children Margo (Jay), Sean (Deanne), Sinead (Tyler), and Stephenie (Clint). Grandchildren, Khris, Tucker, Mckayla and Mackenzie Johnson, Keara and Isabel Cochran, Callan, Kya, Hanna & Josie Shelstad and several great grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews and a large number of extended family and friends Walter was predeceased by his parents Steve & Myrtle Tucker and siblings Minnie, Edie and Bob.
Funeral Mass will take place at Mary Queen of Peace Church at 2 pm Saturday March 12, 2022. Proof of vaccine and masks will be required. Mass will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Clovelly Golf Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring by Sharing, P O Box 899, Bell Island, NL, A0A 4H0
To send a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com
Copy Link SMS Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stephen Walter Tucker D August 30 1941 to March 6 2022..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N